Research team contacts

Principal Researcher:

Dr Sherrie-Anne Kaye, School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT

Associate Researcher:

Dr David Rodwell, School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT

Professor Ioni Lewis, School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT

Research Centre / Group:

CARRS-Q

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this research is to gain a greater understanding of young drivers' engagement in illegal hand-held smartphone use while driving, and if advanced driver assistance systems influence whether drivers report using their smartphone while driving. The focus of this study is on the perceptions of and understanding attitudes to watching video messages while driving and reading text messages while driving.

Are you looking for people like me?

You are invited to participate in this study if you:

  • are aged 17-25 years
  • reside in Australia
  • own a smartphone
  • hold a valid Australian provisional or open driver licence or international equivalent.

What will you ask me to do?

Participation will involve completing a 71-item questionnaire with Likert scale answers (strongly disagree to strongly agree) that will take about 20 minutes. The questionnaire will include questions about you, such as your age and gender, phone use behaviour (in general and while driving), attitudes and intentions towards using a smartphone to watch a video message or read a text message while driving, and perceived likeliness to use your smartphone in different situations.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are some risks associated with your participation in this research project. These include:

  • Risks in participating in this study may include discomfort as a result of disclosing past engagement in using a hand-held smartphone while driving. However, you are not asked to disclose any specific details (e.g., time and location) when you may have used a hand-held smartphone while driving or been fined for using a smartphone.
  • The topic of road safety and crashes may elicit discomfort in participants who have been involved in or know someone involved in a car crash, particularly one which involved driver distraction. Individual discretion is advised when considering whether participation in this survey is appropriate given your personal experiences.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not directly benefit you. The outcomes of the research, however, will assist in gaining a greater understanding into young drivers’ attitudes and intentions towards using their smartphone while driving. Further, the research will offer insights into how specific types of advanced driver assistance systems influence young drivers’ use of a hand-held smartphone to watch a video message or read a text message while driving.

Will I be compensated for my time?

The research team is offering you the chance to enter a prize draw to receive 1 of 2 $100 WISH eGift cards on completion of the questionnaire.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Further details and how to participate

QUT Ethics Number: 8562